Structural fabric



March 23, 1943. 5, NADELL 2,314,456

STRUCTURAL FABRIC Filed June 1I 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

March 23, 1943. J. s. NADELL 2,314,456

STRUCTURAL FABRIC Filed June 1. 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 2,,

March 23, 1943.

J. S. NADELL STRUCTURAL FABRIC Filed June 1, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3' INVENTORJ March 1943- J. 5; NADELL 2,314,455

STRUCTURAL FABRIC Filed June 1Q 1939 4'Shets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 23, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STRUCTURAL FABRIC Jerome Seymour Nadell, Birmingham, Mich.

Application June 1, 1939, Serial No. 276,861

9 Claims.

My invention relates to a structural fabric made up of a series of panels, units or leaves, hinged together, accordion fashion, so as to form, when desired or needed, a self-supporting and self-sustaining three dimensional structural shape to be stretched and used as a skeleton frame for wall, floor or other free standing object in the fabrication or erection of buildings, bridges, boats and other allied lines.

More particularly, my invention relates to line production of a continuous structural fabric to substitute and replace the uses of individual and separate structural shapes now employed in the assembling and framing of the skeleton of structures and because of its ready adaptability to such continuous geometric shapes, stiifenings and forms as will arise in the erection of single dwelling structures, multiple dwellings, industrial, commercial, civic and social buildings, bridges, culverts, aqueducts, silos, smoke stacks, barges, boats and other projects that require multiplane enclosure, vertical obstruction and horizontal stratas or levels.

This structural fabric, when stretched and folded about its hinged units, panels or leaves andwhen stiffened with tying separators into three dimensional mats, is designed to sustain other loads, either when same is placed in a vertical position to form the framing of a free standing column, pier, strut, stud, or series of studs in a continuous line forming the framework of a wall for structures, earthworks, bulkheads, and other or when placed in a horizontal position spanning a void space and transferring at its extreme opposite ends its sustaining burden, both of stationary and movable nature, as well as to attach unto itself in line with the stiffening separators, a wire or metal lath, concrete or plaster coverings or other masonry or filling materials for jacketing or sealing the framework from the elements.

It is the object hereto to devise a structural metallic or steel fabric comprised of a plurality of panels, leaves, or units tied, welded or riveted and hinged to each other upon heavy pivotal cords, bars or rods so that each panel, leaf or unit can swing freely upon its pivotal axis and complete a radial swing of approximately 360", or to any point desired to be fixed within its radial reach that will shape or form a part of a three or more dimensional free standing geometric unit;

Heretofore, with few variations, skeleton framing of structures, whether wood or metallic in nature, were made up of individual pieces, separately brought and assembled into a framework at the site where the structure is to be erecteda slow process, entailing loss of time and efficiency, both in the use of labor and of materials, and subjected to weather vagaries, mishandling, misusing and misplacing loose components that make th framework. Similarly the use of wood in the structural framework is eliminated, thus assuring against fire hazards, insect and rodent deterioration, greater flexibility in architectural designs than any prefabricated structures that,

have come to this inventors attention, observation or study, during thirty years of construction experience.

It is therefore the object hereof to devise a better construction method at a lower cost of.

production; to produce a superior structure under shopconditions and reduce to a minimum the skilled labor need in field assemblage and erection, thus sharply reducing the high cost of field work in view of the low number of working days due to weather vagaries, and ineflicient field handling; toprovide elements, of design that can better withstand violent disturbances produced by earthquakes, airbombings, dynamiting or other anti-social acts; to reduce maintenance costs, deterioration charges; and to provide natural elements for insulation as entrapped ,air cells or series of cells, thus reducing undesired heat or other thermal changes.

It is the inventors further object that the device be used in temporary or collapsible frame.-

work for grandstand seating purposes, guard or fence enclosures, temporary or collapsible framework for tents, encampment buildings, collapsible framework for waterproof jacketed lifesaving rafts in marine and other naval uses and foldaway nettings adaptable to defense protec-- tive measures for land and sea usages, etc.

-In order to accomplish these objects, the inventor has provided a construction forthe details of-Which reference should be had to the accompanying description, claims and drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a strut unit of the structural fabric. 7

Figure 6 is a plan view of the finished construction indicated in Figure 5 Figure 6A is a frontal elevation of another structural leaf.

Figure 7 is a frontal elevation of a structural leaf comprised of the strut and latticing shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a digrammatic front elevation of the structural fabric.

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmental elevation of the structural fabric.

Figure 10 is a plan view thereof partially in section.

Figure 11 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the structural fabric showing one of its geometric flexibilities by swinging leaves at 90 upon each pivotal axis.

Figure 12 is a plan view thereof.

Figure 13 is a perspective fragment of Figure. 11 with separators filling the gaps.

'Figure 14 is a frontal elevation of a metal lath.

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic perspective view further showing another of the geometric flexibilities of the structural fabric.

Figure 16v is a plan view thereof.

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating another structural formation at equilateral- 60f angles andsides showing the fireproof enclosures.

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view showing the structural fabric with irregular size leaves.

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic section showing the use of structural fabric for aqueduct and other cylindrical shaped construction.

Figure 20 is an end diagrammatic section showing application of the structural fabric to the walls of boats and other hyperbolic shapes.

I Figure 21 is a diagrammatic section showing a triple wall skeleton construction with fireproof enclosures.

Figure 22 is a. diagrammatic plan view partially in section of a building structure taken above the floor level.

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic vertical section through a structural frame and wall of a building.

Figure 24 is an isometric diagrammatic view showing skeleton side wall and roof construction.

The combinations and arrangements shown in the drawings hereinafter described constitute preferable embodiments of my invention but are not intended to limit the scope hereof, it being contemplated that many other suitable embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of my invention.

- Referring to the drawings, the structural. fabric hereinafter more particularly described is comprised of steel rod wire, strip steel or other strut elements II having on one end a loop I2 and on the other end a half loo-p I3, said loops lying in different planes as shown in Figure 2. The distance between said planes as shown in Figure 9 is equal to the diameter or width of the strut used for a reason hereinafter to be described.

The structural fabric is comprised of a plurality of leaves each of which is made up of a number of section elements Ht shown in Figure 3, each section segment being comprised of two struts I I oppositely disposed and parallel to each other. The cross bars or latticing I5 welded to each other or suitably tied at l6 maintain the spaced relation of the two struts II being welded at points I! forming thereby a rigid and compact unit or section segment.

The plurality of leaves I8 comprising thestruca tural fabric are each made up of rows of section segments I4 welded to each other as illustrated in Figure 4.

It is to be noted that the lattice or cross bars I5 may be separate in each section segment I4 or continuous as shown in Figure 4.

Similarly the lattice and struts may be made of one formed piece of metal I9 with the two slits 20 as shown in Figure 5. This formed piece cut along lines 20 is expanded as shown by the dotted lines. ZI- so as to form a segment element 22, the outside legs 2I being bent outwardly at an angle of approximately 45 forming cross bars or l'atticing. The central strut portion 23 is bent and twisted as shown in Figure 6, defining the loop 24, and the half loop 25. Similarly a structural l'eaf may be comprised of an unitary expanded oppositely slit piece of material so as to form a continuous member with struts 25 and latticing 2'! as shown in Figure 6A, the latticing being completed by welding thereto the elements 28. Similarly the struts 26- are alternatelyformed on their ends with full loops and half loops as at 29 and 30 respectively.

Referring to Figure '7, the leaf 3I is comprised of a row of expanded segment elements 22 welded to each other at points 32.

In Figure 8, each, rod 33 provides the attachment for two leaves I8. each longitudinally disposed on the opposite sides of said rod, the attachment thereof being obtained through the struts II using elements I2: and I3. One leaf is rig-idlyconnected to red 33 with the half loop portions I3 of struts II welded or otherwise secured. thereto. The leaf on the other side of said rod is hinged'ly secured thereto, with the respective loop members I2 of struts II journaled on the central rod 33, each loop I2 being disposed above and resting. upon the half loop member [3 of thefirst mentioned leaf.

These rods 33' not only provide reinforcement, to the structural fabric, but pivotal a-xes for the radially supported leaves. Consequently said leaves are, supported between two corresponding rods 33, the alternately arranged: loops. of the struts I I being hinged to the rods and the alter nately arranged half loops: of said struts. being secured on their inside edges. bya suitable weld or tie.

The structural. fabric 34 shown diagrammatically in the drawings (Figure 8) is now seen to be comprised of a plurality of. leaves and rods: or cords 33. These leaves hingedly mounted upon the rods. 33 are similarly hinged with respect to. each other. alternately spaced loops: I'Z of the strutsv H are alternately secured to-the strutsat the half loops I3. Consequently the entire fabric is comprised of a plurality of hinged leaves capable of' rotation with respect to each other on axes defined by said rods 33, it. being. obvious that the structural fiber may be expanded or otherwise formed and arranged. into various geometric shapes;

As will be seen in Figures 9; and. 10. showing an enlarged fragment of the fabric, the loop portion: I2 of the struts II. of any particular leaf is displaced from the plane of the strut so as to accommodate the half loop- I3of the corresponding strut i I in the next series of leaves.

heretofore described, said loop t2 rests upon and is. held by said. half loop I3. which is welded on its inside edge or otherwise. suitablytied to the common supporting rod 33.

As diagrammaticallyshown in Figures 11v and 12; the leaves. I8. constituting. the. structural fabric.

The rods 33 journaled through the swing on their individual axes 33 to the fixed position indicated to form a three dimensional framework. This skeleton structure usablein a vertical, horizontal or oblique position, is adaptable for the framework of a wall, floor or slanting roof, etc. The fixed qualities of the fabric in the position indicated are maintained and rigidly held by connecting stays or separators 35 which stiffen the skeleton structures and filling in the, gaps formed between the swinging leaves and their fixed axes, and providing a base for a fire-proof jacket such as concrete or plaster. These stays, separators or spreaders may be formed of one or more pieces to be individually tied around the connecting rods 33 as shown in Figure 13, said separators being formed so as to be secured to the struts of opposite leaves. The aforementioned separators have the further purpose of providing means of attachment for lath fillers 36, tied or otherwise suitably secured at the extremities of the fixed gaps between the rods 33.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the lath filler 35 is provided with slots 31 so cut as to slip over and be received and vertically held and saddled by the corresponding struts I I of the skeleton structure, thereby providing adequate support therefor.

Concrete, gypsum or other fire-proofing materials applied on the lathing and covering the rods 33 and parts of struts I I act as reinforcement adding to the rigidity of the entire structure, at the same time providing jacketing for the structural framework.

. In the diagrammatic plan view of Figure 17, the

structural fabric 34 journaled and supportedon its rators 35. The lath filler, upon which plaster or concrete is spread, may be of variousv Widths so as to correspond with the length of the spreader or separator used in a particular case to satisfy the necessary stiffening demands. .Y

I The particular construction shown in the diagrammatic Figure 18 further illustrates the flexibility of the structural fabric. In that illustration the skeleton building structure consists of fabric wherein its component hingedly mounted leaves are of different widths It becomes obvious that this novel structural fabric may be so arranged as to satisfy any particular building or structural requirement that might arise.

In Figure 19,- the fabric is used as a framework for an aqueduct or culvert on horizontal axis. Similarly this type is also available for silos, smokestacks or other cylindrical shaped projects. In any of these situations the rods 33 may act as reinforcement to the enclosures 4D or the entire fabric may be solidly imbedded and incorporated in a structure whose formation is concentric with the circular openings within.

The further flexibility of this fabric is illustrated in Figure 20, which shows a fragment of a frame of a barge or boat. In view of the compressibility of expansibility of the fabric continuous longitudinally disposed beams M are provided for continuous inner and outer walls with air spaces therebetween. p The structural fabric is similarly adapted to triple wall skeleton constructions as illustrated in Figure 21. The leaves I8, shown diagrammatically, are provisioned so as to extend through the widths of three Walls 42. This type of .construction is desirable whenever the need arises for multiple air cells as in cases of boat, insulation or refrigeration constructions. Another adaptation of the structural fabric is shown in Figure22, which is partial section of a building structure above a fioor level. The skeleton structure of the two intersecting walls 43 and 44 consists of the type of construction shown in Figures 15 and 16 wherein alternately spaced beams or studdings 45 are formed.

The separators 35 governing and stiffening the structural fabric tied or otherwise secured to. said skeleton structure provided the support for the metal lath fillers 36 shown in dotted lines, secured between the beams or studding 45, upon which is formed and hardened concrete aggregate 42. The masonry facing or any special veneer 46 is anchored to the vertical rods 33 and horizontal spreaders or separators 35. Said horizontal rods 33 forming a part of the structural fabric defining the floor plan 4! are partially shown as welded or otherwise secured to the vertical rods 33 forming a part of the intersecting skeleton side wall structure 43. The ,void spaces 48 defined by the walls are provided with any suitable damp proof insulators 49 suitably secured to the rods 33 forming a part of the side Walls 43 and 44.

Figure 23 illustrates a partially diagrammatic, vertical section through the structural frame and wall of a building showing the many adaptations of the structural fabric which include the side wall 50, the floor 47, ceiling 5I and roof 52. The isometric diagrammatic view of Figure '24 illustrates how side walls 50, ceiling structure 5|. and roof structure 52 are alltied or'otherwise secured together so as to form a single unitary construction. It will be noted that the supporting rods 33 of the various complementary skeleton structures are secured to eachother thereby providing a single rigid body.

It is contemplated as within the scope of my invention that the leaves of the structural fabric may consist of perforated metal, expanded metal lathing or solid sheets. 4 I

It is further contemplated that said leaves may be comprised of non-metallic sheets with reinforcement for loops to define hinged means for securing the corresponding-leaves. It is similar'-- ly contemplated that said leaves be comprised of corrugated or otherwise perforated metal. The shelf portions designated 53 are provided for rod support in the multiplane constructions shown in Figures 22, 23, and 24. These shelfs provide ledges upon which the cord rods 33 may be supported, being further tied or welded 'to the corresponding intersecting cord rods which act as hinged supporting means for the skeleton side walls, roof, floor and ceiling structures.

It is to be noted that the structural fabric herein described providesa suitablematerial for the reinforcement of concrete construction and the support of its own false framework in the pouring of jelly consistency aggregates to be formed and hardened into a monolith assemblage.

The structural fabric laterally adjustable on its longitudinal axes provides spacing and stillen ing means for parallel and oppositely disposed surfaces.

The spaces produced between the: enclosing surfaces may be further divided into air cells: by'the introduction of insulating materiaIs to be secured to the members of the structural fabric. The structural fabric suitably stayed with separator stiifeners forms a mat capable of Sue taining abnormal loads in tension and compression.

It will be noted, in view of the varied flexibilities of the structural fabric, that the same is adaptable for replacing, in the scheme of. structural framing, all individual pieces that formrectangular studs for wall framing, angles, T or channel shaped struts or columns, H steel sections, I beam steel sections, plate sections, or any other wooden or steel framing which when assembled includes therein all of the advantages hereinbefore mentioned.

Similarly, the structural fabric is adaptable to the formation of a series of steps in elevation, the individual leaves thereof being revolved upon their axes to form a skeleton grandstand or stair structure, This type of structure has the aptitude for sustaining its own false framework for the pouring of jelly consistency aggregates for hardening.

A building structure using this fabric for framing and support, because of the recoil spring action of all its members is capable of withstand ing violent shock.

The fabric is further adaptable as a collapsible inner framework for marine lifesaving rafts, or torpedo protective nets for boats.

Now having described my invention, reference should be had tothe claims which follow for determining the scope hereof.

I claim:

1. A structural fabric comprised of a plurality of leaves and supporting chord rods, hingedly mounted and longitudinally'disposed with respectthereto, each leaf consisting of a plurality of strut rods having one end formed as a half loop secured to a chord rod, and the other end formed as a. full loop pivoted to another chord rod and resting on an adjacent half loop of another strut rod,

2. A structural fabric comprised of. a plurality of leaves and a plurality of rods, longitudinally and hingedly disposed with respect thereto, each leaf consisting of struts having one end formed as a half loop secured to a rod, and the other end formed as a full loop pivoted to another rod and resting on an adjacent half loop of another strut, cross bars aboveand below said strut, angularly bent therefrom from one end thereof adjacent said half loop, with the end portions of. said cross bars adapted for engagement to adjacent struts in the same leaf at points near said full loops.

3. In a skeleton structure, the combination with a frame work consisting of a structural. fabric as set out in claim 1, the leaves of which are angularly disposed with respect to each other; of stiffening stay members secured across openings defined by said leaves for maintaining the angular relation thereof; and lathing longitudinally disposed and secured to said stifiening. members.

4. In a wall and floor structure, the combination with. a framework consisting of structural fabric, asset out inv claim I, the leaves of whichare angularly disposedwith respect to each other, of stiffening stay members secured across openings defined by said leaves-to the rodsand struts of these oppositely disposed leaf members, lath ing longitudinal-1y disposed with respect to said. leaves and secured to the aforesaid stiffening members, to form a continuous structure, and: a hardened aggregate secured to said lathing, projecting rods and stiffeners.

5. In a structure, the combination with the framework consisting of structural fabric, as set out in claim 1, the leaves of which are angularly disposed with respect to each other, aplurality of stiffening stay members secured. across openings defined by said leaves to the rods and struts of these oppositely disposed leaf members, lathing longitudinally disposed with respect to said leaves in a plurality of planes and secured tothe aforesaid stiffening members, to form a continuous multiple surface structure, and a plurality of parallel laterally andlongi tudinally disposed hardened aggregate elementssecured to said lathing, projecting rods and stiffeners, defining air spaces in said structure.

6. A skeleton building structure comprised of the structural fabric, as described in claim 1, all the chord rods of the vertical, horizontal and oblique surfaces formed by said fabric being se curely tied to one another to produce a unified skeleton structure capable of distributing and transferring inequalities of torsion in any one of its members upon the entire structure.

'7. In av skeleton structure, the combination with a frame work consisting of a structural fabric as set out in claim 1, the leaves of which are angularly disposed with respect to each other; of stiffening stay members secured across openings defined by said leaves for maintaining the angular relation thereof.

8. A structural fabric comprised of a plurality of leaves and supporting chord rods hingedly mounted and longitudinally disposed with re-- spect thereto, each leaf consisting of aplurality of strut rods having. one end formed as a half loop secured to a chord rod, and the other end formed as a fullloop pivoted to another chord rod. and resting on an adjacent half loop of another strut rod, and cross-bars between and secured to corresponding struts.

9.. A structural fabric comprised of aplurality of leaves and supporting chordrods hingedly mounted and longitudinally disposed with respect thereto, each leaf consisting of a plurality of strut. rods having one end formed as ahalf loop: secured to a chord rod, and the other end formed as a full loop pivoted to another chord rod and resting onan adjacent half loop of another strut rod, each full loop portion being ofl-set with respect to the strut rod, so that the corresponding struts of adjacent leaves are in a" substantially straight line.

J. SEYMOUR NADELL. 

